Don’t wait for a disaster to look at your roof or understand your insurance coverage. Be proactive and protect your most valuable asset – your home.  

For homeowners, their roof presents something of a dilemma: It’s extremely important, but it’s also hard to keep an eye on. We don’t typically think to go up on the roof and check for damage on a regular basis because, well, it’s kind of a pain in the neck. As a result, roof damage often goes by unnoticed until it’s too late, and the roof needs a costly replacement.  

Of course, gradual wear and tear isn’t the only concern. Major storms can strike at any time, forcing homeowners to address damage right away. 

At BPI, we know our way around a roof, and we’re proud to partner with GAF to make maintaining and repairing your roof as painless as possible. Here’s a guide to how you can manage your home’s roof maintenance and repair. 

Recognizing Common Roof Problems 

Every damaged roof has warning signs. Homeowners just need to know what to look for. Typical issues include: 

  • Missing or damaged shingles. Even a single damaged shingle can expose your roof to leaks and lead to deterioration. 
  • Leaks or water stains. If you notice water dripping from your ceiling or any sort of discoloration, it could be a sign that your roof is letting moisture through. Moisture is the top culprit when it comes to major structural issues. 
  • Sagging roof sections. If any part of your roof looks like it’s not quite holding up, don’t just shrug and assume it’ll be okay. There could be underlying weaknesses threatening to ruin the whole thing. 
  • Granules in gutters. The bits of minerals that cover the top layer of an asphalt shingle are bound to come loose eventually. However, if you notice a lot of them in your gutters, it’s probably a sign that your shingles are too old or have been damaged in a recent storm. 

If any of these signs appear to be severe, it may be time to replace your roof. 

Conducting Regular Roof Inspections 

It’s important to schedule roof inspections twice a year, in the spring and again in the fall, to detect issues before they turn into big problems. And after any significant storm, you should thoroughly check your roof for any missing shingles, wind damage, or signs of debris impact.  

If you’re handy, you can try to do these inspections yourself—but for best results, we suggest enlisting a professional. They can usually spot issues you may overlook. 

Preventative Maintenance Tips 

If these tasks aren’t already on your weekly or monthly to-do list, you should add them: 

  • Keep your gutters clear. If they’re clogged with debris, water can build up and easily damage your roof. When gutters can’t properly drain, a small rainstorm can have the impact of a heavy downpour. 
  • Trim overhanging branches. A branch doesn’t have to be very large to pose a major threat to your roof. By trimming them regularly, you can reduce the risk of impact damage during a storm. 
  • Address minor repairs right away. Don’t put them off unless you’re ready for them to escalate and become far more expensive. Once the underlying structure starts degrading due to moisture, the damage can become extensive. 

Understanding Roof Insurance Coverage 

Even the most thorough homeowner may eventually have some unavoidable roof damage. It’s essential to be prepared, and a big part of that is understanding your roof insurance coverage, especially as recent changes in the insurance industry have had a significant impact on policies. Review your policy and ask your agent these questions: 

  • What damages are covered? Some policies may exclude certain types of damage, such as cosmetic impact.  
  • How is the roof’s value calculated? There’s a difference between Actual Cash Value (ACV) and Replacement Cost, and understanding that difference can prevent a sour surprise when you receive your claim. Understand that the insurance offer is just that – an offer that can be negotiated. 
  • Does the roof’s age impact payouts? Older roofs may receive reduced coverage.  
  • Are there discounts for impact-resistant materials? GAF Class 4 shingles are much sturdier than lower-class shingles, so your insurer may offer incentives for using them.  
  • Are partial roof repairs covered? Some policies only cover full replacements.  

>> Get a Closer Look at GAF’s Superior Shingle Warranties  

It’s always prudent to look out for these warning signs in your policy: 

  • Exclusions on metal roofing: Some policies do not cover damage to metal roofs.  
  • No code upgrade coverage: Without this coverage, you may not be reimbursed for bringing your roof up to code.  
  • Limited replacement options: Some policies only offer depreciated values rather than full replacement costs.  

Once you’ve reviewed your policy and consulted your agent to make sure you understand the details and any recent changes, consider upgrading your roof using more resilient materials. This will increase the longevity of your roof, and your plan may offer insurance discounts for doing so. Understand your financial risks, including your deductible and any potential out-of-pocket costs. 

For help with roof damage insurance claims, check out the educational videos and articles on GAF’s website. 

Selecting a Qualified Roofing Contractor 

if you’re repairing or upgrading your roof to make it sturdier and easier to insure, ensure you’re hiring a contractor who can do the job well. That means: 

  • Checking credentials: Take a close look at their licenses, insurance, and reputation in the industry. Make sure their primary business is roof installation and repair.  
  • Requesting references: Verify that they’ve done good work by contacting their prior customers. If they’re not willing to put you in touch with a customer, that’s a big red flag. 
  • Obtain clear estimates: Get a detailed breakdown of costs and materials before committing. If the contractor won’t give you a specific quote, that’s another big red flag.  

Preparing for Extreme Weather and Addressing Storm Damage 

Storms are becoming stronger, more frequent and generate more damage, so any upgrades to your roof should be geared toward standing up to extreme weather. We recommend that you:

  • Install impact-resistant shingles for better protection against hail and wind. 
  • Reinforce structural elements with secure decking and fasteners. 
  • Ensure proper ventilation to reduce moisture buildup and prevent water damage.  

When a storm hits, you need to act quickly to prevent the damage from compounding. Inspect your roof immediately, looking for leaks, missing shingles, debris impact, and structural issues. Make sure you document everything—photos and detailed notes will help support your insurance claim. Once you’ve collected the information you need, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible so that the claim can be processed and you can start repairs before another storm strikes. 

Finally, make sure you hire a professional contractor with experience in storm damage repairs. Your local BPI dealer or GAF can help you find one that fits the bill. 

Keep your Roof in Good Shape with BPI and GAF 

As a top roofing brand, GAF produces some of the most attractive and durable shingles on the market. BPI’s partnership with GAF means that homeowners can upgrade or repair their roof with their topline products at a reasonable price point. To learn more, find a BPI dealer near you.